Philippians 4:17
I’m not hoping for a gift, but I am hoping for a profit that accumulates in your account. CEB
Previously, we learnt that while we live here on earth we have a choice of investing in the worldly realm or in heaven (Mat 6:19-20). Everyone of us has a heavenly account as well as an earthly one. It’s your choice which is a priority. But how on earth can we invest in heaven? Time and space allows us to consider just three biblical ways of doing so.
Firstly, pay your tithes and offerings faithfully (Malachi 3:8-10). ‘Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and put Me to the proof now herewith,” saith the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open to you the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it’ (Malachi 3:10).
Some Christians waste time arguing about whether or not the tithe principle is still valid in the New Covenant. Meanwhile they unilaterally decide against obeying this clear word. Suffice it to say here that God has not stopped blessing those who honour Him with their substance and the first fruits of their increase (Pro 3:9). I am not about to deny myself the heavenly floodgates of blessing because of some misguided theological arguments. Neither should you!
Secondly, partner with Ministers of the Gospel (Phi 4:14-19). That is the context of our text today. Unbeknown to them, when the Philippians supported Paul’s ministry, they were literally growing their heavenly account. Every financial seed they sowed in the life of the Servant of God was accumulating profit for them in glory. That’s why the apostle goes on to say, “My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus” (Phi 4:19). It pays to partner with those whom Christ has called to preach the Gospel (see also Mat 10:40).
Thirdly, remember the poor (Pro 28:27). The Bible also says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again” (Pro 19:17). Imagine putting the richest being in the entire universe into a position where He owes you! Well, that’s exactly what happens when we give to the needy. The poor cannot pay us back. But God will, with interest. We build our heavenly portfolio. That’s the way to go.
Pastor Josh